Pam Kroeper is a wife, mother, daughter, sister, and a dear friend to many. She’s been married to her husband, Billy, for 22 wonderful years, and they have a beautiful daughter, Annie.
In May 2019, at the age of 58, she retired from a thirty-year teaching career and is currently a busy stay-at-home wife and mom, homeschooling Annie.
The foundation of her early years was immersed in love of God and family. It was this love and faith that bonded Pam’s family through the seasons of their lives together. It is with this same love that Pam and her family journeyed together through the many seasons of their lives—plenty and want, joy and sorrow, gain and loss.
During the summer of 2019, Pam felt and noticed a lump on both sides of her neck. There were no other signs or symptoms. She was concerned and brought it to the attention of her Obstetrics & Gynecology Doctor (OB-GYN) during her routine annual exam. After examining her neck, Pam’s OB-GYN ordered a CT scan with contrast of her neck. The CT results prompted a referral to Ear, Nose & Throat Specialist (ENT).
On October 2, 2019, after the completion of a very thorough office exam by the ENT, he looked at Pam and explained, You have cancer.
A biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Base of Tongue with Bilateral Cervical Lymphadenopathy (HPV-Positive). Pam was then referred to an oncology team. Thus, beginning an unexpected journey and a season in her life that would challenge the faith and love of her family and Pam.
As I tried to process the words, you have cancer…not wanting to upset my family, I hid in the darkness of my bedroom, in my brokenness, kneeling beside my bed in prayer, crying out to the Lord for help, explained Pam. Through my anguish and tears, I heard a whisper in my heart, ‘I am the Lord, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you. Do not fear; I will help you!‘ (Isaiah 41:13)
As the treatments of chemotherapy and radiation began, Pam felt God holding her hand and giving her hope. Days turned to weeks, as she continued with daily radiation treatments and tri-weekly chemotherapy treatments—the brutal residual effects of the radiation treatments slowly began to take away her ability to swallow, eat and speak.
In the loneliness and stillness of silence, connected to a feeding tube for nourishment, I continued to feel the hand of God in mine. His hands of love extended through the many hands of love from my family, friends, and medical team as they cared for me, comforted me, encouraged me, loved me, nurtured me, and prayed for me, added Pam.
On December 18, 2019, Pam rang the bell to signify the end of her chemotherapy and radiation treatments. As her journey currently continues with ongoing challenges: attending bi-yearly follow-up medical appointments; adjusting to the many brutal residual side effects of radiation as well as dealing with the shame and embarrassment of the stigma of cancers associated with the Human Papillomavirus.
However, with a restored voice, by the Grace of God, I am encouraged to help bring awareness of head and neck cancer, as well as cancers associated with the Human Papillomavirus. It is truly a blessing to share my experience and some of the things that I’ve learned during this unexpected journey and season in my life, explained Pam.
I think that the best advice that I can share with anyone diagnosed with head and neck cancer (or any type of cancer)…is to remember, that cancer is sooo very limited…it can’t take your faith, it can’t take your hope, it can’t take your love…it can’t take your joy, it can’t take your courage, it can’t take your spirit… it can’t take your memories, it can’t take your family and your friends… and all of your blessings and sooo much more! So, hold on to the things that you CAN do…and all of the “joy” that it brings!
To request Pam for your local event, please contact us at info@headandneck.org or complete the online form.
